ARIEL – Making online reservations for the most popular sites in PacifiCorp’s Lewis River Recreation area in Southwest Washington went on Sun., March 1. Available will be all campsites at Cresap Bay and Cougar campgrounds, and the A-Loop of Beaver Bay campground.
All Swift Forest Camp campsites are available for reservation starting March 9 at 9 a.m. The reservable camping season at this park runs from the Friday before Memorial Day until Sept. 30.
To create reservations, access the system atwww.lr-reservations.com.
A $5 fee will be charged for all campground reservations, reservation changes and cancellations. For convenience, credit card payment is now accepted so the reservations can be immediately confirmed. Due to the overwhelming demand for Lewis River campsites, individuals will be limited to a total of four reservations for the 2015 season. A guide to usage and rules will be posted on the website when it is open for business.
The toll-free reservation line (1-855-414-0004) is also now available for Cresap Bay, Cougar, and Beaver Bay campgrounds on a call-back basis. Reservations via this toll-free line for Swift Forest Camp will be available starting at 9 a.m. Mon. March 9. Given the anticipated call volume, keep in mind it may take several days for a reservation agent to return your call.
Note that campground fees have changed. Individual sites at Cresap Bay, Cougar, and Beaver Bay Campgrounds are now $21 per night. Swift Forest Camp is now $18 per night. Group camping can be reserved at Cresap, Cougar and Beaver Bay for $315 per night. Campground fees include access to adjoining day use parks.
A tradition of recreation
The Lewis River is home to PacifiCorp’s largest hydroelectric facilities, providing customers with emission-free, renewable energy. PacifiCorp, through Pacific Power, serves electric customers in Oregon, Washington and California.
As part of its federal license to operate these hydroelectric projects, PacifiCorp also maintains 14 public parks and day-use facilities along the three Lewis River reservoirs as well as sites downstream of Merwin Dam.
Facilities include 304 campsites and 268 picnic sites, fresh water, hot showers, swimming beaches, boat ramps, restrooms and RV stations. These parks can be found on state highway 503 starting approximately 10 miles east of Woodland, Wash., continuing 40 miles upstream to Swift Forest Camp. Nearly a half million visitors a year make use of these facilities.
Vehicle parking
No parking fees are collected during the off-season. However, during the peak recreation season – Friday prior to Memorial Day through Sept. 15 – a $3 parking fee is charged on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays at reservoir day-use parks. The exception is Merwin Park where the parking fee is always $1.
River access sites downstream of Merwin Dam and at Eagle Cliff Park upstream of Swift Reservoir do not have parking fees.
Day use parking passes for the summer season are available for $20. These passes may not be used for overnight parking. Passes can be purchased at the Woodland Information Center and at fee booths located at parks during hours they are staffed. Day use parking passes can no longer be purchased by mail.
Overnight parking is available on a limited basis at Saddle Dam Park for dispersed camping in designated campsites along the Yale Reservoir shoreline and at Swift Forest Camp for Swift Reservoir shoreline sites. Overnight parking availability does not guarantee a designated campsite is available. Dispersed campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites unoccupied for more than 24 hours are subject to forfeiture. Maps of PacifiCorp-designated dispersed sites can be obtained at Saddle Dam Park and Swift Forest Camp.
